Anamorphic Optical System Astigmatism Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anamorphic optical systems used in image projection systems suffer from astigmatism and other aberrations, leading to distorted and unfocused images, especially when the light is not collimated.
Innovation Solution
The anamorphic optical system incorporates a pair of optical prisms arranged in a complementary relationship, along with corrector optics that include a cylindrical corrector element. The corrector optics are rotated to compensate for astigmatism, optimizing the image focus and reducing aberrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If anamorphic optical systems use optical prisms to magnify images, then image magnification is achieved, but astigmatism and aberrations cause distorted and unfocused images
Solution Approach 1:
A corrector optics assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the light source and the anamorphic optical system. This corrector assembly includes optical elements specifically designed to compensate for astigmatism and aberrations, acting as a mediator that corrects the distorted light paths before they reach the anamorphic prisms, thereby enabling both magnification and sharp focus
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts optical parameters such as the curvature of optical surfaces, refractive indices, and the angles of the prism faces to optimize the balance between magnification and aberration correction. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system achieves the desired image magnification while maintaining acceptable focus and symmetry
2Manufacturing precision
If corrector optics are added to compensate for astigmatism, then image focus improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The corrector optics functionality is merged with the existing anamorphic optical components rather than being implemented as completely separate additional elements. The corrector elements are integrated into the optical path in a way that combines multiple functions (astigmatism correction, beam shaping, and magnification) into a unified optical assembly, reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The corrector optics assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: correcting astigmatism, maintaining beam collimation, and supporting the anamorphic magnification function. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively reduces astigmatism and improves image focus, ensuring that spot images remain focused and symmetrical, with the largest dimension of each color spot not exceeding 300% of the smallest dimension.
Implementation Method 1
an anamorphic optical subsystem comprising at least one optical prism
Implementation Method 2
corrector optics that include a cylindrical corrector element. The corrector optics are rotated to compensate for astigmatism
Data Source
AI summary
A pair of optical prisms arranged in a complementary relationship provides for anamorphic magnification and cooperates with a refractive or diffractive element having at least one axis of effective cylindrical curvature, wherein each at least one axis of effective cylindrical curvature and the apexes of the pair of optical prisms are all substantially parallel to one another. The refractive or diffractive element generates an aberration as a result of rotation thereof about an axis parallel to the at least one axis of effective cylindrical curvature that at least partially compensates a corresponding aberration generated by the pair of optical prisms.